31 July - 4 August

Monday 31 July

Congratulations to the England women’s football team who beat France yesterday [Sunday] to reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Euro Championships. It is now a case of bring on the Dutch – they now face the Netherlands to compete for a place in the final – later this week. Good luck to them.

This morning saw me deal with casework and messages.

Later I met with Keith Williams, Regional Officer for GMB [Trade Union], along with the shop steward for Hounslow Housing and our director of housing. The meeting covered a range of issues including how things were developing since the transfer to FM 360 [part of Lampton 360, the trading company set up by the Council]. It was a very positive meeting. We have agreed to meet more regularly in the future.

I then went to Brentford County Court to hear the judge make directions regarding the upcoming trial concerning the moorings at Watermans Park.

This week, we issued details of a consultation on a proposed byelaw to prevent unauthorised mooring of boats along the banks of the River Thames in the borough. Have your say here

Tuesday 1 August

I had to apologise as I was unwell and not able to attend the Hounslow Health and Wellbeing Board meeting, due to being in tremendous pain with my hip.

Thanks to Councillor Amrit Mann, Deputy Leader, for stepping in on my behalf.

The rest of the day was spent looking at further casework and catching up on messages.

Wednesday 2 August

This morning I met with representatives from London Green who are developing the former police station site in Brentford into the new Watermans Art Centre.

It was a positive meeting and there will be more on this soon.

Later I had a round of one-to-one meetings with our director of housing to update me on our response following the Grenfell fire tragedy. Read latest statement here.

In the evening, I met with a residents group from Hounslow West who are working hard in their local community to reduce fly tipping and littering.

They are as angry as I am with people who litter and fly-tip. They have urged us to take the strongest possible action against those who are acting anti-socially.

I would like to thank all of the residents groups and individuals who work hard to keep the borough clean. We must remember that it is not councillors or Council staff who drop litter, unfortunately its people who live, work or visit our borough. They must be held accountable for their actions and we will do everything we can to bring them to book.

We do need the help from residents in reporting fly tipping and to give us as many details as possible, so we can catch those responsible and take the strongest possible action.

Thursday 3 August

I had a series of one-to-one meetings in the morning.

In the afternoon I met with Steve Swords, Chairman and Patricia Wright, Chief Executive, of Hounslow & Richmond Community Healthcare, who provide excellent health care services for our residents.

Later I met library staff who transferred back earlier this week [Tuesday 1 August] back to the Council from Carillion.

We are absolutely committed to providing excellent library services for our residents that are sustainable and meets the ever changing requests from our local community. Read press release here.

This will be a mixed secondary school for over 1,000 children in MacFarlane Lane in Osterley. With ever increasing demands for school places, this will enhance this and our high standards of education we have in our borough.

Unfortunately it was not meant to be for the England women’s football team, who were beaten 3-0 this evening by the Netherlands in the semi-final of the UEFA Euro Championships.

Friday 4 August

By the time you read my blog, I will have had [hopefully!] my hip operation!

Councillor Mann will be covering for me while I am out of action and I will have an update for you once I am back.

A couple of reminders, for residents to look out for an email from the Council about voter registration. This will enable to you to respond quicker and easier online. Read our press release.